I got informed from the garden nurseries on Friday afternoon that my caravan had nearly been stolen. I called the police and met the fingerprint team at the van later in the afternoon. The front locker had been forced open but no theft of the stuff inside and indeed the door had not been forced either.
However the wheel clamp was removed (SAS Super clamp Duo) and it was still done up as tight as it was fixed to the wheel and had no damage what so ever as neither did the wheel. I was surprised to see this and couldn't believe it could be removed. The hitch-lock is what stopped them taking the van but they have caused damage to the hitch-lock and towing hitch and stabilizer trying to remove this. I have spent some time down there making it secure and working out their strategy as they seemed very professional. Today, (Sunday)I worked out that they had forced the battery compartment and have pulled the cables from the leisure battery and shut the door again. They then come back on another occasion and check the battery box and see if the terminals have been reconnected. This enables them to work out if the caravan has a tracker fitted or not and on the second visit can steal the caravan. I would recommend you all check this regular as this is a good indication as to any foul play. My van was the only one targeted as it is a newish van and the others are around 10 years plus.
I hope this is of assistance to you all.
Very sorry to hear this, it sure makes you think. How on earth did they get the wheel clamp off as they did?
Glad however that they didn't get the van.
Really sorry to her about your attempted van theft, we were recently broken in to at home, so I feel for you, what a relief that failed... Thanks for heads up on the battery.
Thanks for the support but I now newer vans have trackers so this is their way of checking as I spoke to a tracking company and they said that they do not advertise the fact one is fitted as they go looking for it instead. So if a caravan has stickers saying a Tracker is fitted then chances are its a bluff.
I'm so pleased the didn't get the van. The insurance surely will pay for any damage. Our last van went two years ago. I agree with Jeff. If they want it, wheell clamps and hitch locks will just hold them up, but ultimately won't stop them taking the van, I'm sad to say.
Trackers run from the leisure battery and if disconnected alert the call center who in turn alert the owner, The tracker will then work upwardly for six months on its own battery power.
Really glad you didn'tloose the van, but sounds like it was a close thing , any feedback on the wheel lock. This is the bit that suprises me most. I know they can be cut off, but lifted off with no signs of a problem, is a worry, sounds effortless.
I spoke to SAS and they I said its not fit for purpose and the guy said I haven't fitted it correctly, I said I have as it was tight to the wheel and he just said he could remove any wheel lock on the market and no refund given! He did say if I sent it to them they would look at it?? Not the best customer service I encountered.
I have also spoken to the Police yesterday and said its common knowledge that there are Irish gypsies in the town doing driveways at present and its general opinion that they are behind this and could they look at CCTV at a local school and a recreation ground to see any vehicles passing in the night. He is going to get back to me once he has followed this up. I know we live in a society that insurance pays but why not do the time if you do the crime? and make these people pay! Obviously there is no finger prints but I am now going to booby trap my caravan so if you interfere with it then you will be leaving your DNA. Sometimes you have to sink to their level to catch a thief.
Hi Scud, 5 years ago I asked the local shop for a good solid wheel clamp and hitch lock and he showed me at least 10 different types all came off caravans that had been nicked and said if they want it they will cut it off, grind it off etc. It is just for insurance and peace of mind to fit something that will make it a little bit harder and go for something a bit easier.
All, my tracker is small, discreet, runs on its own internal battery that is designed to last up to 4 years, it alarms on movement or mast movement to suit your choice, it allows me to remove the leisure battery, making theives think no tracker fitted, also tracker is fitted with out wires so there is none to trace, we have set it off twice due to entering the van without using the remote to turn off, the call centre was calling us within minutes and they have to disarm, once the alarm is active the remote becomes inactive to safegaurd the user
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Topic: Attempted Caravan theft
